The Justice Department has launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. to determine whether the company is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests with disabilities at its theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa. According to complaints, guests who cannot access the parks without their rollers are forced to use inadequate alternative mobility aids and pay additional fees. Local lawyer Rajan Joshi explained the legal implications, saying, "The law is very open to people with disabilities, and there should be no violations of it. In order to violate a certain device used by people with disabilities, they have to show a legitimate safety concern." SeaWorld's website indicates, "Due to the varying walkways and terrain, rollators and wheeled walkers with seats are not permitted." The Justice Department is launching an investigation and has requested SeaWorld and its parent company to discuss their safety concerns and explore alternative measures, such as imposing speed limits or safety precautions, to allow the use of these devices at the park. Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon underlined the importance of federal civil rights laws. "The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks," Dhillon said. Gregory W. Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, highlighted the principle of equal access, especially given Florida's status as a major tourist destination. "Each year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks," Kehoe said. "No one should ever be denied equal access to a public accommodation on the basis of disability. Should not be done. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA." This case is being handled by Trial Attorney David K. Gardner from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahelios from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. They have not yet made any findings of fault. But, you know, what to start with in the first place. Steph is having a conversation. Now, If they don't work, you know, the SeaWorld parent company can be fined, and it starts in six figures, and then later the fine can be even higher than the people who are feeling discriminated against can even file a civil lawsuit against SeaWorld.
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<strong class="dateline">Florida -</strong> <p>The Justice Department has launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. to determine whether the company is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests with disabilities at its theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa.
According to complaints, guests who cannot access the parks without their rollers are forced to use inadequate alternative mobility aids and charged additional fees.
Local lawyer Rajan Joshi explained the legal implications, saying, “The law is very open to people with disabilities, and there should be no violations of it. In order to violate a certain device used by people with disabilities, they have to show a legitimate safety concern.”
SeaWorld’s website indicates, “Due to the varying walkways and terrain, rollators with seats and wheeled walkers are not permitted.” The Justice Department is launching an investigation and has requested SeaWorld and its parent company to discuss their safety concerns and explore alternative measures, such as imposing speed limits or safety precautions, to allow the use of these devices at the park.
Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon underlined the importance of federal civil rights laws.
“The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” Dhillon said.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe highlighted the principle of equal access, especially given Florida’s status as a major tourist destination.
“Each year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,” Kehoe said. “No one should be denied equal access to public accommodations on the basis of disability. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”
The case was handled by trial attorney David K. of the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division. Gardner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Being handled by Karahalios.
Joshi said, “They haven’t made any findings of fault yet. But, you know, the first step is to start with what is and have a conversation. Now, if they don’t work out, the SeaWorld parent company could be fined, and it starts in the six figures, and then later the fine could be even higher than that for the people who are feeling discriminated against. They could also file a civil lawsuit against SeaWorld.”
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